Where did January go? Away with the snow, probably! The world looked so pretty for a few hours. So, back to business. February, and what does it mean to actually ‘know’ a word? To answer this question, I’ve taken the following definition from ‘The Primary National Strategy, 1779-2005DOC-EN’. It’s what I believe our children’s teachers are being asked to consider when assessing their learners.
Knowing and using words – Definition
Having the ability to recognise, comprehend and produce the particular units of language, in particular words or phrases, which carry independent meanings sufficiently distinct for them to be demarcated from other words and phrases. For example, being able to use a wide range of words and phrases, whether indicated by sound, vision or touch, and recognise that they refer to objects, ideas and concepts in a relatively constant manner.
Wicked! Awesome! Sick! Smittle! Next week, we’ll take a closer look at how important it is to, ‘recognise, comprehend and produce the particular units of language, in particular words or phrases, which carry independent meanings sufficiently distinct for them to be demarcated from other words and phrases,’ see words in groups. Until then, from ETC International, have a ‘sufficiently distinct’ week!
John's English Blog 